Early Periods, Late Menopause Linked to Better Brain Health in Women: Study
A woman’s reproductive timeline may hold vital clues to her brain health later in life, according to a new study that links longer reproductive years with slower brain ageing and a lower risk of dementia.
The study, led by researchers at the University of Auckland, highlights that women who experience early onset of menstruation (menarche) and late menopause — meaning a longer reproductive span — tend to have healthier brains as they age.
Oestradiol: A Key Brain Protector?
At the centre of this connection is oestradiol, the strongest and most common form of oestrogen during a woman’s reproductive years. Oestradiol levels rise at puberty, stay high during reproductive life, and drop sharply after menopause.
This sudden drop in oestradiol has been linked to age-related brain disorders, especially dementia.
“These findings support the idea that oestradiol may help protect the brain as it ages,” said Eileen Lueders, Associate Professor at the University of Auckland’s School of Psychology and lead author of the study.
How the Study Was Conducted
Researchers analysed brain scans from 1,006 postmenopausal women, using machine learning and MRI imaging. Each woman underwent two brain scans over a span of about two years.
Key findings included:
- Women with early menarche, later menopause, and a longer reproductive window showed slower signs of brain ageing.
- These women also had a reduced risk of dementia, compared to those with shorter reproductive spans.
The research was published in the journal GigaScience.
Could Hormone Therapy Help?
The results open the door to new possibilities for preventing dementia in women, especially with hormone-based treatments during perimenopause (the time leading up to menopause) and shortly after.
However, Lueders emphasized caution.
She noted that:
- The effects of oestradiol were small in the study.
- The study did not directly measure hormone levels.
- Genetics, lifestyle, and health also play a big role in how the brain ages.
“While our findings are encouraging, more research is needed to fully understand how hormones and other factors shape women’s brain health,” Lueders added.
What’s Next?
The researchers plan to explore further by:
- Including more diverse women in future studies.
- Directly measuring hormone levels.
- Understanding the complex interactions between hormones, lifestyle, and brain structure.
Why This Matters
Women are twice as likely as men to develop Alzheimer’s disease, according to global health data. By better understanding how reproductive health influences brain function, scientists hope to design early interventions that reduce dementia risk and improve quality of life in aging women.
This study is a step forward in recognizing the biological differences in women’s health and how hormonal changes throughout life can affect the brain. If confirmed by further research, the findings could lead to early preventive strategies for millions of women worldwide.